Remco Evenepoel Sets the Stage for World Championships Showdown: ‘I Won’t Provide a Lead-Out for Tadej Pogacar’
On the eve of the highly anticipated men’s elite World Championships, cycling fans were treated to insights from top contenders Remco Evenepoel, Tadej Pogacar, and Mathieu van der Poel. Evenepoel, the reigning champion, shared his thoughts at a press conference held Friday morning, speaking candidly about the looming competition and the strategies that might define Sunday’s race.
While Evenepoel’s press conference took place at his hotel with the Belgian national team, the global media interest was so intense that the typically Dutch-language session was conducted in English. The shift highlighted the worldwide attention on Evenepoel and his seven Belgian teammates.
Tadej Pogacar’s Praise and Sunday’s Tactics
Reflecting on a Thursday interview with Tadej Pogacar, Evenepoel was asked about the Slovenian’s compliment regarding his time trial prowess. However, he quickly pointed out that the road race is an entirely different challenge.
“Definitely, we are also riding a different bike,” Evenepoel noted. “And we’re with a bigger team, so I’m not alone.”
Belgium’s dominance in the World Championships in recent years—whether racing for Evenepoel or his teammate Wout van Aert—has often allowed the team to control races. When asked if this would be the plan again, Evenepoel was playfully non-committal. “We haven’t had the tactical meeting yet,” he grinned. “Of course, we want to race, but I’m not the one who will decide that.”
Allies and Rivals
Training with Mathieu van der Poel in Spain recently allowed Evenepoel to gauge his Dutch rival’s form. While he jokingly hinted at Van der Poel’s struggles uphill during their sessions, he acknowledged the Dutchman’s ability to time his peak performances.
“The last time I cycled with him, it wasn’t so good,” Evenepoel said, before adding, “But he’s a rider who knows how to get in shape at the right time.”
Evenepoel was quick to clarify that despite their recent training sessions together, he won’t be forming any alliances with van der Poel. “I’m riding here for Belgium, not for the Netherlands, so it’s not like we’re making deals.”
Facing Pogacar in a Sprint
Perhaps the most tantalizing prospect for fans is the possibility of a showdown between Evenepoel and Pogacar at the finish. Evenepoel was clear that, should it come to that, he won’t be giving the Slovenian star an easy ride.
“If there is no other option, then I will have to,” he admitted. “But it’s no secret that he’s a fast rider, so I certainly won’t provide a lead-out for him.”
Evenepoel stressed that the race dynamics could shift at any moment and surprises often occur in such high-stakes races. When asked to predict who might be the dark horse in the competition, he didn’t hesitate: “Victor [Campenaerts].”
With Evenepoel in a relaxed but focused mindset, the stage is set for a thrilling battle between cycling’s elite on Sunday. All eyes will be on the Belgian prodigy, but as he wisely put it, “If I win, then it’s great. But if not, that’s also part of life.”
